Stanford Grad's Invention Allows Women To Pee While Standing, Avoid Messy Toilets
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — A pink cardboard triangle could revolutionize the public restroom experience for women, allowing them to stand up while urinating and avoiding messy toilet seats.
"A lot of toilets are pretty disgusting," said entrepreneur Sara Grossman. "Men don't have to deal with it, but we women either have to sit on them or hover over them. It's never comfortable."
Grossman has seen some items on the market to help with the situation but they didn't work well for her. So the recent Stanford grad who majored in creative writing is out with her own product.
"My product is the Stand Up. It's an accessory for women," Grossman said. But it's not just any accessory. It's a peeing accessory. If you go the product's website, you'll see vivid imagery of how exactly it's used, complete with an easy-step diagram and the encouragement for women to "Own any space." It also touts a hygienic and "dignified" bathroom experience.
Hers is the only such item, which looks similar to a Sno-Cone, on the market that's disposable.
"This is really just a small piece of paper. It fits in any pocket or purse and you get to toss it when you're done," Grossman said.
I took her invention to the streets to let some women test it out, at some of the most disgusting toilets I've ever seen: the supposed "self-cleaning" JC Decaux public toilets at the Powell Street cable car turnaround.
Reactions of women who used Stand Up ranged from it being fairly easy to use and that it was even "cool." However, one woman laughed it off and said she'd rather squat.
The Stand Up is available online. With any luck it could really take off during summer's festival season, at least Grossman hopes so.
